Monday, November 30, 2009

'Hobbit' Production Delayed Until Summer 2010

One of the most eagerly anticipated and discussed upcoming movies is Guillermo del Toro and Peter Jackson’s upcoming adaptation of "The Hobbit."

A quote from TheOneRing.net, which originated over at a German site called MovieReporter.net, says that during an interview for Jackson’s drama, "The Lovely Bones," the filmmaker revealed that the film will probably start shooting next Summer and not the Spring (March) date that was previously rumored.

Here’s the quote (translated from German):

“We’re currently working on the second script which we hope to have completed by the end of this year or beginning of next. When the scripts are completed, we can begin with the exact calculation of the necessary budget. We hope to start filming in the middle of next year. However, we’ve received no green light from the studio yet.”

Jackson has already stated that the script for the first film is done, so the greenlight from the studio will probably come once the second script is done.

Unless they need a lot of time for pre-production to make sure they have everything right before they start the cameras rolling, I see no reason for the film to not be on course for the original rumored start date of Spring 2010.Maybe the later Summer date that Jackson has thrown into the ring might be due to the main character, Bilbo Baggins, not yet being cast.

Let's hope a delay doesn't cause the December 2011 release date to be pushed back either. Since the quote comes from Jackson himself (who’s producing the entire project), it’s definitely worth taking note of because he should know what is happening with the films.

What do you think of "The Hobbit" apparently set to start filming next summer instead of next spring?

"The Hobbit: Part 1" is set to hit theaters in December 2011 with "Part 2" following a year later in December 2012.